Montreal Canadiens fans are no strangers to heated debates and dramatic moments, but a recent revelation from respected TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie has sent shockwaves through the hockey community.

During his daily segment on BPM Sports, Lavoie revisited a controversial incident from 2022 that, until now, had largely faded from public memory.

While discussing the impressive rise of goaltender Samuel Montembeault, Lavoie made a startling confession that has ignited fierce discussion among fans and analysts alike.

He recalled a specific game against the Edmonton Oilers, one played in an eerily empty Bell Centre, where something happened on the ice that left a lasting impression—not just on him, but on anyone who witnessed it.

Lavoie’s comments weren’t just about Montembeault’s performance; they touched on a deeper issue of respect, teamwork, and the unspoken codes of hockey.

Without naming names at first, he hinted at a moment so disappointing that it completely changed his view of several Canadiens players.

What exactly happened during that fateful game? Why does Lavoie feel so strongly about it, and which players were involved in this dramatic episode?

If you want to uncover the full story behind his explosive remarks, read on for all the details.

Apr 16, 2022; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens forward Ryan Poehling (25) celebrates with teammates including defenseman Jeff Petry (26) and forward Mike Hoffman (68) after scoring a goal against the Washington Capitals during the second period at the Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

Photo credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images

The TVA Sports journalist Renaud Lavoie was back on the air at BPM Sports today for his daily segment.

He covered many topics, including the much-talked-about upcoming trade involving Carey Price, and what Kent Hughes would NOT be willing to pay in that deal.

He also went back to an unfortunate and embarrassing event that actually took place in 2022 in Montreal, during a game between the Canadiens and the Edmonton Oilers.

We’re talking about the following scene:

Well this morning, because of what you just saw, Renaud Lavoie outright declared in the following segment, that he no longer has any respect for the five Montreal Canadiens players who were on the ice at that moment (including, of course, Jeff Petry).

Renaud Lavoie no longer has any respect for Jeff Petry, Mike Hoffman, Laurent Dauphin, Ryan Poehling and Brett Kulak because they abandoned Samuel Montembeault

Here is his exact statement, as reported by Maxime Truman.

“The topic came up in the discussion as Renaud was praising the progress – at every level – made by Samuel Montembeault since his arrival (via waivers) in Montreal. He managed to earn the respect of his teammates.”

– Maxime Truman

“When he arrived, don’t think that the Montreal Canadiens players were impressed by Samuel Montembeault against the Oilers, I was there, there were no fans in the building, it was right in front of me.

It’s a good thing I was on TV and had to keep my cool, because honestly, I was furious seeing that nobody came to Samuel Montembeault’s defense.. I don’t have much respect left for the players who were on the ice at that time, in fact, I have none at all. I find what happened that day pathetic.”

– Renaud Lavoie

The 5 players in question who were on the ice at that moment were indeed, Jeff Petry, Mike Hoffman, Laurent Dauphin, Ryan Poehling, and Brett Kulak.

A really interesting and entertaining segment!